County

Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler faces some tough decisions. So, it's encouraging to hear her speak so highly of efficiency and better planning.

Those two concepts will be essential in the coming year if the county expects to provide property tax relief and still offer the quality programs and services county residents have come to expect in Florida's second most populous county.

Simple mathematics says it won't be easy. If voters approve the constitutional amendment on property taxes in January, the county will be forced to cut spending by $75 million. There will be even deeper cuts later after the Florida Legislature crafts a new budget that is expected to call for further spending cuts to make up for lagging state revenues.

The county's mayoral position remains a ceremonial post, but the job is a demanding one. The mayor works with fellow commissioners in crafting county policies and the annual budget. There's also the important role of being the public face of Broward County, whether it's working with city officials to resolve local annexation issues or promoting the virtues of the county on the world stage.

To put it simply: Wexler will need all the vaunted leadership skills and political experience she has to lead the county during the next 12 months.

Wexler also needs a permanent county administrator to oversee the vast array of agencies, boards and programs. As she has done before, Deputy County Administrator Bertha Henry is doing a capable job of managing the bureaucracy as the interim administrator until the Commission can replace Pam Brangaccio, who resigned in October after only a year in the job.

The word permanent can't be stressed enough. The county needs an administrator who has the clout that comes with the right title. Wexler's first priority should be to put the process in motion to attract and retain a qualified administrator to ensure that her term as mayor will be a successful one.

BOTTOM LINE: Mayor Wexler's first priority should be finding a permanent county administrator.